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You don’t need to limit your choices or give up professional, experienced hearing healthcare by shopping for low prices on hearing aids at a big box discount store.

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City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz Councilmember Daryl John Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Robin Thompson Councilmember

Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Deputy City Manager Brian James Executive Director Bob Cantu Chief of Staff

Editor’z Letter

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 3

By Chuck McCollough, Editor

31 Years and counting...!

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Communications Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Graphic Design/Art Direction Alexis Souza Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Office Manager Mary Spence Events Manager Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Taryn McGillivray, Aubrey Parke, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Mike Harris, Chris Meek, Tom Lovett, Kaylie Kennedy Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Joshua Nolden, Lisa Green, Diana Webb, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Beverly McCollough, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Christopher Matzenbacher, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities.

Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630.

Fax (210) 619-1619.

Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com.

NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number.

All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz.

All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron.

Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Magazine, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

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like TV westerns, especially the part where someone is hurt miles from town and someone else rides their horse fast to “fetch” the doc.

We may be long past the days when doctors made house calls, but in Schertz the distance between the residents and their doctors is getting shorter. Really.

The number of healthcare providers in Schertz has boomed within the last 10 years and is trending toward becoming one of the city’s strongest sectors.

The doctors are moving closer to where residents live.

The sprawling, 900-acre South Texas Medical Center in San Antonio started with one hospital that stood for a number of years like a lone tree on a prairie. Today, the Med Center is at the heart of a bio-science and healthcare sector that employs one of every six workers in the Alamo City.

That’s what a health care sector can do.

The March issue of Schertz Magazine takes a look at the expanding and more diversified (more specialists) healthcare community in town.

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Then meet Dr. Umesh Arora, a cardiologist who remodeled an existing building across from the Schertz Public Library.

Some of Dr. Arora’s patients in Schertz helped talk him into opening a clinic here and thus improved the heart

health of the community.

Our story on Biomotion Physical Therapy demonstrates the range of healthcare services minutes from residents homes and the dedication of people like owner Dr. Derek Sanchez.

Also look for coverage of Legacy at Forest Ridge a premier assisted living facility on Schertz Parkway and updates on the trail riders coming to town, Spring Clean Up, and City of Schertz Community Budget Meetings.

All that and more in Your Source for Hometown News Schertz Magazine.

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Health Care Sector Biomotion Sonterra Cardiovascular Baptist M&S Forest Ridge Urgent Care

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DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez Visionz / Chamber

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CIVIC NEWZ Updatez

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COVER

From left - Dr. Derek Sanchez, BioMotion Physical Therapy; Shelly Robinson, Baptist M&S Imaging; Dr. Umesh Arora, Sonterra Cardiovascular Institute; Dr. John Rheiner, Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers of Texas

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Start with the article on the Baptist M&S Imaging recently located in the Baptist Emergency Hospital.

The business operates a state-of-the-art and first-ofits-kind, in this area, Silent Scanner. The new machine makes the process more comfortable for the patient because, among other things, the patient enters it feet first instead of head first.

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Fisher House 5K Run/Walk The 2nd Annual Friends for Fisher House 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, April 11, at the Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road. Proceeds from the event help support the local Fisher House at Joint Base-Fort Sam Houston.

Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.

Registration starts at 7 AM with the run kicking off an hour later. The walk starts at 8:15 AM. For event sponsorship or more information contact Dana Mariner at friends4fisherhouse5K@yahoo.com or call (757) 572-4723 or (210) 281-5471.

March 2015 Library Events Open Mic Poetry & Song Event: The library invites everyone to come enjoy an evening of poetry and song from local talent. The poetry group will meet Thursday March 19th starting at 6:30 pm. Teresa Brown will be the featured poet of the month!

Sew Let it Bee - Library Quilt Bee: Please join us for a fun few hours of quilting fun. This group is perfect for both beginning and advanced quilters.

The quilt bee meets at the library the 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-3 pm.

H.P Lovecraft Discussion Group: Do you enjoy the stories of H.P Lovecraft?

If so, join us for a one hour discussion each month. This group meets one Monday evening each month from 7-8 pm and will be meeting March 23rd this month.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: The Schertz Public Library & the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club have partnered to offer an early literacy initiative called 1,000 Books before Kindergarten. This project encourages parents to read aloud at least 1,000 books with their children before they enter school.

Register your child at the Children’s Information Desk at the library to receive a free tote bag. Children will earn a sticker for every 100 books read and a book when they complete the program.

The Nerd Herd The Schertz Public Library’s rookie robotics team, The Nerd Herd, competed in a FIRST Lego League Qualifier on Saturday, January 17th. From left: (top row) April Toman, Raquel Whitmire, Isaiah Maruez; (middle row) Faith Marquez, Ethan Krier, Everette Hodges, Xavier Martinez, Bella Norman, Michelle Norman; (bottom row) Devon Whelen, and William Stewart-Boswell

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Read Across America Read-a-Thon: Drop into the Children’s Program Room at the Schertz Public Library anytime between 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 3rd to help us celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a Read-a-Thon.

Bring your blanket, pillow, and favorite stuffed animal and find a comfortable spot to read. We will take breaks at 4:30 pm (snack), 5:30 pm (craft), and 6:30 pm (special guest readers).

Schertz Magazine All Over The Map

In Ireland

Margaret Riley, a member of the Schertz Library Advisory Board, holds a copy of Schertz magazine in front of Blarney Castle in Ireland during a trip to Emerald Isle.

In The Philippines The Cockerell family celebrated Christmas on the Island of Panay in The Philippines. Alan Cockerell - Schertz-Seguin Local Goverment Corp.

(SSLGC) General Manager - is enjoying Schertz magazine while family members gather around his hammock. From left are daughter Claire, wife KT, daughter Meredith, and daughter and son-in-law Lauren and Alan Willis (Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines) and daughter Eleanor.

In Snowy New Mexico In Saint Lucia Two Schertz families, the Massengales and the Featherstones, recently took Schertz Magazine with them on a trip to Saint Lucia. The visitors were: Jordan, Cathy and Kayden Massengale and Dawn and Jonathan Featherstone.

Hannah Campos and Kevin Lunkenheimer hold a copy of Schertz Magazine while in Red River, New Mexico.

Take your copy of Schertz Magazine when you travel and take a high-resolution photo of the mag and you in front of a recognizable place and send to events@schertz.com. You might just make it into the magazine. schertzmagazine.com

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Schertz Sweetheart

Miss Friendly City Sydney Fischer My name is Sydney Fischer and I am proud to have been a Sweetheart these past two years.

Last year I served as Miss Jubilee, and this year was crowned Miss Friendly City.

I am currently a sophomore at Samuel Clemens High School, where I am the president of my class and a student of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). For two years, I have been an active member of Meet in the Middle, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and varsity swimming. I’ve also been on the Clemens volleyball, track, and UIL academics teams.

Living in Schertz my whole life has opened many doors for me. My nine years as a swimmer began with BVYA on their summer swim team by competing and eventually coaching as I got older. Coaching younger age groups of the team helped me realize my passion for working with children. In addition to coaching, I volunteer with youth at the Schertz Library and Crosspoint Fellowship Church.

When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy working at Chick Fil A and playing club volleyball.

My dream is to play volleyball in college while pursuing a career in the medical field, so I challenge myself in school with honors courses, and am currently in the top 10 percent of my class.

Serving on the Sweetheart Court has been an unforgettable experience. I feel extremely lucky to be recognized in a community as wonderful as Schertz, and I’m thankful for this city making me who I am today.

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Easter In the Park April 4 The Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club presents “Easter In The Park� on Saturday, April 4, in Pickrell Park in Schertz, rain or shine.

The free event, open to children up to age 10, starts at 10 AM and will include a visit by the Easter Bunny and anEaster Egg hunt, Prize Eggs. sponsored games, and free onsite vision screening for children provided.

Please arrive early so you can register prior to the event.

A schedule of events for children by age: Diaper Derby (Crawlers) 10:00 AM. Children under 3 10:20 AM. Children ages 3-4

10:40 AM. Children ages 5-7

11:00 AM. Children ages 8-10

11:20 AM For more information, call Rhonda Williams at (210) 566-1999

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PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace

Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace

Join Us this Sunday Sunday School: 9:30 am | Worship Service: 11:00 Currently Meeting at the Schertz Civic Center: 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Building #5 Schertz, TX 78154 210-858-8503 | pcc_schertz@yahoo.com

www.pcc-schertz.com A reformed church and member of the SBC.

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Founding KOC Member Honored For 60 Years Frederick H. Hazelton was recognized by Good Shepherd Catholic Church’s Knights of Columbus Council 6358 Deputy Grand Knight Jim Lovering for Frederick’ss 60 years of loyal and faithful service. Frederick is a life-long Texan and one of only two remaining members who founded council 6358 in March 1972. He served as Treasurer and was a leader in the effort to build Mikulski Hall in Schertz where the Knights have held community events and monthly meetings for more than two decades.

Health and Wellness Fair Draws Hundreds Cold, rainy weather did not hold back an enthusiastic crowd of over 500 who poured into the Schertz Civic Center on January 31 to visit with 70+ various experts and professionals who provide health & wellness services.

Admission was free and also many services including , flu shots, glucose testing, vision screening, hearing testing and blood pressure testing.

“We had nothing but positive comments and everyone was very excited and said it was a good event,” said Schertz Chamber of Commerce President Maggie Titterington.

The Chamber and the City of Schertz hosted the Fair which promotes a well-rounded, holistic message of health and wholeness.

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Clemens Project Graduation 2015 Gearing Up

Volleyball, Basketball, door prizes and much more!

We are looking for business sponsors to promote their business at our upcoming Cow Patty Festival. It will be held on Saturday, April 18th. We will have a cow patty bingo, deejay and live band, silent auction and a baking

Parents and community members would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Samuel Clemens High School graduate class of 2015 by hosting Project Graduation 2015, an all-night, alcohol and drug-free party which will be held at Shady Oaks Ranch.

The event will held on graduation night, June 6, 2015 after ceremonies and will continue through to the next morning. All students of the Samuel Clemens graduating class are welcome and encouraged to attend.

An event such as this is a huge undertaking. It can only be possible through the efforts of graduating parent volunteers, school faculty and hugely by monetary donations from such local business contributors such as yourself.

Organizers need to raise $20,000 to $25,000 to fund the event, which includes unlimited food and drinks, Casino and Bingo, a Deejay, Olympic Games, Inflatables, Karaoke,

competition. We have several levels of sponsorship available. Please contact us for more information.

Financial donations are tax free and can be made by mailing directly to Samuel Clemens High School, Attn: Project Graduation 2015, 1001 Elbel Rd, Schertz, Texas 78154.

For more information, contact Sandra Kearns at (210) 4371166 or send an email to clemensprojectgrad2015@gmail. com.

BVYA Opening Day March 28 Buffalo Valley Youth Association will kick off the Spring baseball and softball season on Saturday, March 28, at Schertz Ballpark.

The festivities will begin with the Opening Day Parade at 9 am, followed by the Opening Ceremony and first pitches of the season thrown out by Mayor Michael Carpenter.

Plan to join in the fun, support area vendors and enjoy the first ball games of the season. Contact Wendy Kinkade at kinkade1@earthlink.net for vendor booth information. schertzmagazine.com

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Chamber Calendar The Chamber Monthly Luncheon

The Chamber After Hours Mixer

will be on March 17th from 11:30am - 1:00 pm at the Schertz Civic Center.

Featuring Guest Speaker Chuck Wall on “Crazy Customer or Customer Crazy!” Please RSVP your attendance

by March 10th. *General Admission $28 and $18 for Chamber Members.

will be hosted March 5th from 5:30 7:00 pm at Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play & Stay located at 7 Commercial Parkway in Schertz. Join us for food, fun, networking, and a chance to win Chamber CASH! *General Attendance $10, Chamber Members FREE!

and

Schertz Chamber of Commerce

Plates Sponsor

Ticket Sponsor

March 19, 2015 5pm 5pm--8pm Schertz Civic Center

Participating Chamber Member Food Vendors include:

Abel’s Diner Bahama Buck’s BG’s Catering Chick-fil-A Clemen’s Culinary Arts Costco El Charro Mexican Restaurant Emily’s Place Coffee Shoppe Encanto Mexican Grill HEB 3 Double-O-Nine Restaurant & Bar Honey Baked Ham Houlihan’s Mama Margie’s Mexican Café My Madea’s Oak Valley Vineyards Restaurant Northcliffe Golf Course - Shifu’s 41 RBFCU Simply Charming Cakes Retama Park Steele Culinary Arts The Cinnamon Rolls Bakery/Café The Lion and Rose British Restaurant Tri-City Distributing and more!

Ticket’s on sale NOW at Chamber/Visitor Center offices - 1730 Schertz Pkwy

General Admission - $15 Kids 3-11 years, Seniors 60+ and Military - $10 Kids 2 years and under FREE!

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Health & Wholeness Fair

​Our next Biz Ed (Business Education) Class will be on March 25th from 7:30 - 9:00 am with breakfast provided by RBFCU. Chuck Wall will be our guest speaker for a round table discussion on customer service. Please call (210)566-9000 for more information on this event! *General Admission is $10, FREE to Chamber members

The Schertz Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our Naming Sponsor Baptist Emergency Hospital, Presenting Sponsors Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play & Stay, AND MedFirst Primary Care, Bag Sponsor Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio as well as the other 70 participating vendors for another successful Health & Wholeness Fair!

On January 31st over 559 community residents visited with this area’s best health & wellness professionals. Thank you to our Board Directors, Ambassadors and hYPer volunteers, as well as Schertz EMS who gave away 35 free flu shots.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2016!

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FEATUREZ

Healthcare Sector Supports Healthy Community

By Chuck McCollough

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ot so long ago, many Schertz residents, including military veterans, had to go out of town for needed healthcare.

That has been steadily changing in the past five to eight years.

The opening of the 10,000-square-foot Schertz Medical Home outpatient clinic for military members in March 2011 and the opening of the

40,000-square-foot Baptist Emergency Hospital in spring two years later signaled a new era for local healthcare.

“The number of Schertz healthcare providers has more than doubled since 2011 to help take care of the city’s growing population of residents and businesses,” City Manager John Kessel said.

“This dramatic increase in healthcare providers is

making Schertz a regional leader in medical services.”

And a growing healthcare sector does more than make people healthier.

Mayor Michael Carpenter said healthcare is one of the best sectors for strong growth a city can have. “For any city to remain vibrant and relevant, new services must be available for its residents,” he said.

“The City of Schertz has experienced a strong surge in healthcare providers in recent years, including more specialized providers, in response to both demand and Schertz’s business friendly environment.”

“This growing healthcare industry benefits the community in a number of ways, especially when healthcare providers repurpose existing buildings,” the mayor added.

“A cardiology practice and a physical therapy practice did just that to two buildings on Schertz Parkway; their investment marks a revitalization of existing architecture,” Carpenter noted.

“The growing healthcare sector in Schertz is bringing more specialized care closer to our residents and to the surrounding area. Just as importantly, growth in this sector also cont’d on page 32

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FEATUREZ

Biomotion

Owner Turned Pain Into Gain

By Andrea M. Allinger

W

ith over 20 years of sports medicine experience and 10 years as a physical therapist, Dr. Derek Sanchez, owner and physical therapist at BioMotion Physical Therapy in Schertz, has a history in sports medicine as an athlete, coach, and patient.

Sanchez will tell you that he has been blessed and sculpted into service to others as a gift from above.

Sanchez said his “sculpting” began at an early age. Born to a World War II, 30-year Army veteran and an Italian mother, Sanchez feels that his very tough, loving father and mother were the keys to his success.

His father (whom he called his hero) died just after his 12th birthday and soon after a return to Italy by his mother caused Sanchez to move to the South Texas town of Three Rivers where both his sister and brotherin-law worked in the oil fields.

Football became an outlet, and for Sanchez, a key to survival. He remembers that “in that little South Texas town, everyone loves you when you are good at football,” and many times this meant a free meal at a local restaurant.

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“Being in Three Rivers, as everything else in my life, has turned into a real blessing. The people there were so good to me and I have extremely fond memories of that little South Texas town.

I am very thankful to God for all He has done with me and for me.”

Sanchez’s journey with football ended in 1995 after a back injury that occurred while playing in the Canadian Football League with the San Antonio Texans. While a spine fracture ended his football career a new seed was being planted.

Soon after his injury Derek joined the Texans sports injury department where he became Bernie LaR-

eau’s understudy ( former head trainer of the Chicago Bears, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Black Hawks and San Antonio Texans).

After receiving an undergraduate degree in biology, sports medicine and biomechanics from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Sanchez was invited back to Three Rivers by his former high school football coach Butch Porter to coach and provide sports medicine for the athletes there.

After seven years of coaching football and teaching high school physics, chemistry and biology, the calling to help others with injuries grew stronger and stronger.

“I was called to my profession of physical therapy.”

I tell people all the time that the good Lord wired me for this calling. I am a very blessed man. Sanchez graduated from the Univer-

sity of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio in 2005 with a specialization in orthopedics, biomechanics, manual medicine, strength and conditioning.

Sanchez and his wife, Magaly, a physical therapy assistant, originally came to the Schertz area in 2007 where the couple started a family (Mia and Marco) and assisted in opening Schertz’s only physical therapy clinic at that time.

With the increase of health care options in Schertz, Sanchez believes that the “reduced stress of travel increases healing overall,” as patients no longer have

to travel to San Antonio for health care.

He calls Schertz a “strong community,” as “people care and take pride in it.” This, he credits, is why the community continues to grow, which gives health care the opportunity to build roots in Schertz.

Schertz-Cibolo Physical Therapy has become BioMotion Physical Therapy, located off of FM 3009 next to Papa John’s and El Jalisco and behind Bradzoil.

Along with Sanchez, the physical therapists continued on page 22

“I tell people all the time that the good Lord wired me for this calling.”

Dr. Derek Sanchez schertzmagazine.com

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FEATUREZ Biomotion cont’d from page 21 on location include: Dr. Michelle Castellano, Dr. Lauren Blanton, and Dr. Susan Bailey. Specializations include cardiac, ortho specialist, manual therapy, neuro, and now foundation and functional movement strengthening.

Sanchez and his team understands “If you move better, you’re going to feel better and live better. This

clinic is extremely blessed to have this amount of quality physical therapists working here,” he said.

“The clientele in this community, according to Sanchez, are educated and very hard working. They expect very high quality and deserve it. They also have the attitude of you better know your stuff.”

“We here at Biomotion strive to provide the highest quality evidence based medicine possible and enjoy the challenges each and every patient comes with,” he said.

Many times with pain, visits to the doctor leave the patient hopeless and coming to physical therapy with the attitude that it is their “last hope,” Sanchez said. This is where Sanchez thrives as a doctor, as he says, “God wired my mechanical brain for this job. In addition, I understand pain really well -- I live with it due to my history of back injuries” and he succeeds in treating it. Patient testimonials, which can be found on BioMotion’s website, www. biomotionpt.com, speak to the level of care the clientele receives, many of the posts credit Sanchez and his colleagues with the life changing gift of ending their pain.

BioMotion has a comprehensive list of services, which includes over two dozen injuries and sources of pain. Their website allows prospective clients to read testimonials and fill out a referral form for an appointment.

Dr. Michelle Castellano

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Sanchez and BioMotion see many local high school athletes from Samuel Clemens and Byron P. Steele High School, as well as athletes from neighboring districts, such as a state ranked runner from Judson High School. Sanchez and

his team focus on strengthening the body to support the demands of the athlete’s sport.

Along with young athletes, BioMotion sees a plethora of different age groups ranging from 3 months old to recently a 98-year-old hip pain patient who just wanted to get back to playing bingo!

A patient testimonial boasted that physical therapy at BioMotion was a “decidedly different and pleasant experience,” and went on to praise Sanchez and his staff, who gave, “just the right amount of encouragement, tender love, and toughness.” Positive patient testimonials are endless -the majority of which conclude with the impact the professional staff made in their treatment. And by the way, the awesome 98-yearold lady is back to playing and winning bingo!

Sanchez truly believes that physical therapy is a gift that “God called on [him] to do” in his life. It is refreshing to speak with Sanchez about his occupation, which he clearly loves.

He asserts that, “Here at Biomotion we have the attitude of service to others and knowing we are blessed to work for our beautiful Lord above. We thank this community for allowing us to continue to treat them.

We want excellence for you,” which means that BioMotion and Schertz are truly the right fit.​

FEATUREZ

Cardiologist Brings Better Heart Health Here

By Stan Leland

D

r. Umesh Arora was 5 years old when his father had a massive heart attack.

“I can vividly recall the terror of sitting in the ambulance holding my father’s finger watching him writhe in pain,” Arora said. The Arora family lived in New Delhi, India at the time and when they arrived at the emergency room it took 90 minutes before his dad saw a doctor.

It took another nine hours before a cardiologist came to evaluate him.

“From that day I decided to become a cardiologist. I wanted people to get the help they need when they need it,” Arora said.

That vow, made over 40 years ago, is the reason Sonterra Cardiovascular Institute exists. After spending several years as a professor of cardiology at the University of Texas Health Science center, Arora opened his private practice in 2007 with two locations -Stone Oak and another on Toepperwein across from Northeast Methodist Hospital.

The practice on Toepperwein grew quickly and before long it had outgrown the lease space. “We had patients sitting in their cars because our waiting room was full,” Arora said.

One of his patients, Richard Dziewit, (pronounced Jev-it) an active volunteer with Schertz city government, suggested that the cardiologist move to Schertz.

“Having firsthand experience as a patient of Dr. Arora, I knew he would be a great asset for our community,” Dziewit said, adding he and the Schertz Economic Development Department helped look for a suitable location.

Several potential properties were considered before the former Health and Human Services building across from the Schertz Public Library became available.

In August 2014, Arora purchased the building and did a total interior makeover.

He saw his first patients on Oct. 1 of last year. continued on page 24

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FEATUREZ Cardiologist cont’d from page 23 Dr. Arora and his Schertz Clinic Staff

Arora divides his time between his Stone Oak and Schertz locations and has the pleasure of working with his wife, Dr. Meeney Dhir. Together they bring an impressive resume of medical expertise. Arora is board certified in nine different specialties and Dhir is board certified in seven specialties.

Sonterra Cardiovascular Institute is the only facility in the San Antonio area

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that has both cardiovascular and sleep apnea specialists.

“Sleep apnea, over time, can lead to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes and stroke,” Arora said. “Instead of spending years treating secondary issues, if we correct the sleep apnea we can reduce or eliminate the threat of heart attack or stroke.”

For many, the idea of having

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a sleep test in a lab somewhere sounds intimidating and expensive. Arora has a sleep test kit that patients can use at home in their own bed at a fraction of the cost. It consists of a belt around the waist, a nasal cannula that fits on the upper lip below each nostril, and fingertip device that measures pulse rate.

Eighty five percent of patients can be diagnosed with the at-home kit and

avoid going to a sleep lab.

With the data collected, Arora may recommend a CPAP machine or some other device to stop the apnea.

“A majority of diabetes patients have apnea as well as 60 percent of all cardiovascular patients,” Arora said.

“That’s why we offer sleep medicine services.”

Another specialty offered

by Arora is diagnosis and

treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). One of the common issues with diabetes and chronic smoking is the buildup of plaque inside the arteries.

Most people know this is the reason for bypass surgeries of the heart, however, plaque can build up in any artery of the body. One of the most common places is in the legs and feet. Symptoms can be leg pain from exercise that goes away after resting. Other symptoms are numbness, poor hair or toenail growth and sometimes a coldness in the leg as compared to the other leg.

Arora has the capability to diagnose clogged arteries anywhere in the legs, even as small as those in the big toe. Once identified, he can place a stent to open the vessel or use a “roto-rooter” type instrument to remove the plaque. Vascular surgeons can do bypass surgeries on large vessels but the leg vessels are too small for bypass surgery.

His office is also the first outpatient facility for interventional cardiovascular and endovascular disease management. Instead of going to the ER for chest pain, left arm pain or tightness of the chest, patients can get same day appointments with Arora.

“If a person is in a cardiac crisis they need to go to the ER,” Arora said, “but if they suspect they might have a heart issue we can see them.”

When they walk in the door at the Institute they are seen

by a cardiologist and within minutes they can have an EKG and Echocardiogram, which could take hours if not days at an ER.

conveniently located across from the library on Schertz Parkway and is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If catheterization is needed, it can be done at the clinic as well as stents and plaque removal. In situations where time is critical, Arora is able to give the help people need when they need it.

The vow made by a 5-yearold child in New Delhi 40 years ago is benefiting the residents of the Schertz/ Cibolo/Universal City area today. It has also benefited Arora’s dad who survived the massive heart attack and is currently 82 years old, still under the concerned care of his son.

Unless a person has an HMO health plan, no referral is needed to make an appointment at the institute.

Same day appointments are available . The office is

For more information, call 210-496-0300.

The vow made by a 5-year-old child in New Delhi 40 years ago is benefiting the residents...

San Antonio has the highest rate of amputations in the nation because of PAD. “Diabetics don’t have to live with poor circulation.

They can have their clogged arteries opened up with the procedures we perform here in our office,” Arora said.

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FEATUREZ

Baptist M&S Redefining Imaging

By Jim and Diana Webb

B

aptist M&S Imaging recently opened its 10th and newest imaging center in Schertz.

It is located at the northwest corner of IH-35 and Schertz Parkway on the second floor of Baptist Emergency Hospital.

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Courtesy of this new facility, Schertz now boasts another first, not only in the Metrocom, but also in the entire San Antonio area – a revolutionary new GE Silent Scan MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine.

As explained to us by Baptist M&S Imaging radiologist Dr. Alden Bailey, this new kind of MRI machine

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offers several advantages, both to the doctor and to the patient. The new machine makes the process more comfortable for the patient because, among other things, the patient enters it feet first instead of head first.

When operating in silent mode, the noise level is reduced from around 100 decibels (similar to the sound of a jackhammer or to sitting in the front row at a rock concert) experienced on an older machine, to around 77 decibels.

The imaging equipment has a larger diameter bore (opening), making it a less claustrophobic experience and allowing it to accommodate patients with a maximum weight of 450 pounds, as opposed to 350 pounds on the older machines.

It is interesting to note that the ambient noise level in a quiet room is around 74 decibels! The reduced noise level also allows for better communication between the patient and the radiologic technologist during the exam. For the doctor, the silent scan produces

a better quality image resolution and the overall exam may produce a better scan product because the patient was more relaxed during the entire process.

Dr. Phillip Fortenberry, President-M&S Radiology Associates, said: “For years, we have focused our efforts on improving the imaging quality of our MRI scanners.

The quality of our imaging and the expertise of our Radiologists allows us to provide highly reliable diagnoses. This new Silent Scan technology now allows us to focus more of our efforts on improving the experience of patients undergoing an MRI by significantly reducing the audible noise they hear during the scan.

We can now improve the patient’s experience while maintaining our focus on quality. That excites me.”

overlapping tissue, making it difficult to detect cancers and often requires the patient to undergo a second mammogram.

Tomosynthesis provides multiple images of the entire breast, allowing the radiologist to see through layers of tissue and examine any areas of concern from many different angles.

This results in clearer images of dense breast tissue, improved detection, earlier detection of small breast cancers not visible in regular digital mammography, and fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests.

Baptist M&S Imaging officials decided to locate their newest center in Schertz based on their evaluation of several key factors. They recognized that the area has become the population center of Guadalupe County, and also is easily accessible for people living in parts of Bexar and Comal counties, including San Antonio, Garden Ridge and New Braunfels.

M&S Imaging already had a good working relationship with the Schertz EMS personnel and with the company that operates the Baptist Emergency Hospital in Schertz.

The site they selected in Schertz takes advantage of these factors, provides service in a convenient location for area residents, and promotes an efficiency of operations.

For example, a patient being seen in the Baptist emergency hospital whom the doctor determines needs a type of imaging, such as X-ray or MRI, can obtain that service on the same site. Similarly, a patient who needs a subsequent appointment at the center may be more likely to keep that appointment because it is located nearby continued on page 34

The Schertz imaging center offers an improved method for breast cancer screening – 3D mammograms. Baptist M&S Imaging was the first group to offer this service in the San Antonio area.

This local Baptist M&S Imaging center is first in the Schertz area to have the Hologic 3D mammography technology. The new technology is called tomosynthesis.

Conventional two-dimensional digital mammography produces one image of schertzmagazine.com

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FEATUREZ

Community Relations Director Cyndi Pressler

Legacy at Forest Ridge Premier Assisted Living

By Kari Bridges

T

he City of Schertz is welcoming Legacy at Forest Ridge, a new Assisted Living and Memory Care community developed

by PinPoint Commercial and managed by Thrive Senior Living.

By bringing assisted living into the forefront of “com-

munity” living and out of “ancient culture thinking,” seniors will be able to empower themselves to live an active, connected lifestyle that offers a purposeful life.

Currently under construction, this 48,000-squarefoot, resort-style luxury community, located at 5001 Schertz Parkway, sits

on five acres adjacent to a wooded greenbelt providing residents with a peaceful, natural setting teaming with local wildlife.

Forest Ridge is scheduled to open for occupancy in late spring 2015.

“Schertz and the surrounding area are one

of Texas’ fastest growing areas. There is a definite need for assisted living like you’ve never seen before,” said Cyndi Pressler, Community Relations Director of Legacy at Forest Ridge.

“We are not just a place to live; we are THE place to be alive.” continued on page 30

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FEATUREZ Legacy at Forest Ridge cont’d from page 29

“While there are other assisted living facilities in the area, nothing compares with the concept and mission of Legacy at Forest Ridge.

The City of Schertz will take pride in having a state of the art community as its own.

Positive recognition in the medical community, job opportunities and increased revenue in the tax base are just a few of the benefits Legacy at Forest Ridge brings to this underserved market area. Employees living in the area will be close to work and children with elderly family members won’t have to make a weekend drive to visit with their loved ones,” Pressler said.

suite climate control, private bathroom, kitchenette/ foyer, and living room/bedroom areas. Each suite is designed to be Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA) compliant with handicap accessibility in the kitchen/ bathroom areas and motionsensor night lights. Family members can feel confident in the secure environment of their loved ones through the use of a secure keyless entry system utilizing personalized bracelets to gain room access.

Additional advantages for family members are the incorporation of Smart Suite Technology and personal alert pendants. This techThe community will have nology detects and records a the capacity of housing 140 resident’s movement (behavresidents living in a total of ior patterns) alerting staff 70 separate residential suites to possible health concerns in either the Assisted Living such as falling, medical conor Memory Care wings. Each ditions and/or behavioral wing and public common changes, all of which, will be areas are named in honor valuable in providing quality of local and military history health care. Other benefits to promote familiarity and include options for enname recognition among hanced communication with residents. physicians and pharmacists.

Residents will live comfortPublic areas in the comably in the privacy of their munity are: foyer/welcome suites with personal room center, game room, fitness furnishings brought from room, hair salon, four public home. Room options will be dining areas and one private one, two or three bedroom dining area, movie theatre, suites that include individual two libraries, lounge and

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three landscaped courtyards – including one putting green. Residents will enjoy a variety of favorite music provided by Pandora playing throughout the community. The fitness room will offer state of the art health and wellness programing and equipment specifically designed for seniors using compressed air resistance to enhance range of motion and strength.

Upon moving into the community, residents will have access to tablets with senior friendly software for Skype, social media, Internet browsing, WiFi and personal health monitoring devices. Staff will guide and teach residents how to work with the technology until they are comfortable with these devices. Another example of technology is the It’s Never Too Late (IN2L) software, which is designed to provide a fun and stimulating collection of computer activities and online portals. Residents can spend hours exploring

relevant life history, street view imagery of their hometowns and vintage radio shows.

Resort quality amenities, community excursions, family events, activities and care technology are included in the Legacy Simple Inclusive Pricing Advantage. These all-inclusive prices include: resort-style meals, detailed housekeeping and laundry services, utilities (phone and cable may be added), medication management, private coach for group outings and purposeful living.

“Continuing the legacy of our residents, family and staff of being good neighbors is a main focus of active living,” Pressler said.

“We want to connect to Schertz, host events, connect with other groups and participate in community events such as Festival of Angels.”

The Memory Care program will feature around-the-

clock, professionally implemented and monitored care environment with a full-time coordinator to oversee every aspect of each resident’s circumstances.

The suites are just as luxurious as the assisted living suites and are designed to be calming and familiar to these residents with slight modifications to make them safe and soothing. Each suite will offer digital entry and exit protection, sleep hours motion monitoring, calm family-style dining and weekly pet therapy.

“I’m actively partnering as a volunteer with the Alzheimer Association and the Schertz Public Library to serve Schertz and the area in advocacy, speaker workshop leader and trainer with support to families dealing with dementia and Alzheimer-type diagnoses. In addition, our community will be open to hosting training programs and family support groups,” Pressler said.

“I think it will be only a

small amount of time before Schertz will be known for having its own medical center. With continued population growth and expansion, more medical services will be looking at the Schertz area for locating operations.

The city, chamber, local businesses and various groups have been excited and supportive of our coming presence,” she added.

You can follow Legacy at Forest Ridge’s progress at LegacyAtForestRidge.com.

Like them on Facebook at facebook.com/LegacyAtForestRidge. A message from the founder and president can be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/ ThriveSeniorLiving.

Pre-leasing and “Hard Hat Tours” are currently available. Contact Cyndi Pressler at Cyndi.pressler@ LegacyatForestRidge.com or 210-305-5713. For more information, email Hello@ LegacyatForestRidge.com.

FEATUREZ Healthcare Sector cont’d from page 19 brings higher paying jobs and strengthens our local economy. The development and expansion of the healthcare sector is a strong net benefit for the providers, our aggregate business environment and our residents,” Carpenter said.

Carey Birmingham helped give the Schertz healthcare sector a boost a few years back when he developed Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza (SPPP) with strong support from the City of Schertz and the Schertz Economic Development Corp.

SPPP is located at 5000 Schertz Parkway and currently consists of six buildings totalling 53,000 square feet used by healthcare providers or related businesses.

Those are Phase 1 and 2 of the project with Phase 3 in the planning stage. More on that later.

Birmingham has seen the Schertz healthcare sector grow by leaps and bounds since he broke ground for his 7.6 acre campus and its first buildings on April 6, 2010.

In a March 2011 interview in Schertz Magazine, Birmingham said this: “We are very bullish on the growing Schertz healthcare sector and expect to see it become more and more important to the city. And it was the City of Schertz that helped us get

SPPP going forward and giving that sector momentum.”

Birmingham said SPPP was started in response to the local healthcare community and outside providers looking to set up shop in the fastgrowing Schertz community.

“Even today, almost five years later, I still get one to three calls a week from healthcare providers calling about space at SPPP, but I can’t help them right now,” he said.

Birmingham said some of the healthcare providers in SPPP sublease space to other providers interested in moving here but who want to “test the water” by coming once a week to see patients and gauge the response.

“The subleasing is a good indication that the doctors see promise in the Schertz market,” he said.

Birmingham is planning a Phase 3 for his campus that will include another 27,000 square feet building in the back part of SPPP. That would give the campus a total of 80,000 square feet of space. And the real estate developer said he anticipates no problem filling the space.

“I am convinced from the phone calls I get seeking medical office space that if I had that space I could lease it immediately,” Birmingham said.

FEATUREZ Urgent Care Expands Healthcare along FM 78/FM 3009

By Lucille Sims Thomas

W

ith the City of Schertz growing rapidly and more and more people choosing to call it home, one of the most important considerations for those putting down roots is access to good healthcare.

Many prospective residents will check into this factor as part of their decision on whether or not to move into the city.

Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers of Texas’ Schertz location at the corner of FM 78 and FM 3009 is helping to improve Schertz residents’ access to quality healthcare.

Dr. Danielle Coulter

The 3,514 square-foot facility is staffed by a doctor at continued on page 35 schertzmagazine.com

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FEATUREZ Baptist M&S cont’d from page 27 and does not require extensive traveling.

Baptist M&S Imaging is one of the first radiology groups established in San Antonio and is a member of the Baptist Health System. They focus on early intervention and are pioneers in many areas of cancer detection and treatment.

The Schertz center occupies more than 6,000 square feet and has a staff of more than 15 medical and support personnel.

A women’s center is located within this facility. In addition to the MRI and mammography services already mentioned, the center offers

Baptist M&S Staff “Patients will have another choice to have their radiology procedure(s) performed and should consider location along with technological sophistication when making this decision. This new location should prove to be extremely convenient to a large segment of our population which resides on the San Antonio – New Braunfels corridor,” said Vicki Dear, Director-Operations at Baptist M&S Imaging.

a full range of other radiological services such as CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray and fluoroscopy.

The offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an after-hours call system. To schedule an appointment, call the M&S central scheduling office at 210-228-XRAY (9729). The group’s website is BaptistMSImaging.com.

FEATUREZ Urgent Care Expands cont’d from page 33 all times and offers a wide range of treatments for medical problems such as lacerations, IV hydrations, chest pains, common rashes as well as many other common medical issues.

The staff also includes a nurse, a radiology technologist, a medical assistant and office workers. Care is available for babies to the senior patients and the facility is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dr. Brian Fowler is one of the partners at Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers of Texas, which also has locations in Boerne, Bulverde and New Braunfels. He thinks his facilities can hold their own among urgent care centers.

“I’ve developed a community-based oriented urgent care that provides services for the smaller but growing communities in the northern San Antonio area. I saw Schertz as an area that was underserved medically and that needed the kind of services we’re providing those other communities,” Dr. Fowler said.

The Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers

of Texas locations take all insurance types including Medicare and TriCare, which some other emergency healthcare locations do not. But since he spent eight years in the Navy as a doctor, Dr. Fowler wanted to make sure his clinics accepted the military insurance plan.

“We can provide a huge amount of assistance to the TriCare patient, but only when TriCare allows it,” he said. One of biggest problems is that TriCare sometimes does not allow military personnel and their families to go to an urgent care facility that is within a certain distance of a military hospital or base clinic. Dr. Fowler said a lot of TriCare patients are seen at their Boerne, Bulverde and New Braunfels locations.

The Schertz clinic’s location fits perfectly with Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers of Texas’ plans to be in areas away from major interstates and highways.

“We don’t like to be on the main highways and what I call truckstop type of urgent care. We like to be more personalized and more community based.

So we position ourselves in areas that are closer to neighborhoods and thoroughfares that are primarily used by the community itself,” Dr. Fowler said.

The doctor said he thinks the potential for the FM 78 corridor is huge since it is an alternative route for motorists who don’t want to deal with all of the construction on IH-35.

At the Schertz clinic an average of 37 patients are seen per day with a drop in that number on weekends as residents appear to be still in the process of learning that the clinic is open on weekends.

Dr. Fowler said some people are surprised when they find out the facility is staffed by physicians and that’s who they are seen by, because at some acute care centers patients are not seen by a doctor.

Because of their physician staffing (there are three doctors on staff at the Schertz location), the center can often admit patients directly to a doctor at a hospital if necessary and bypass the emergency room saving the patient money.

The facility also can do Xrays and laboratory tests.

“There are occasions when you have to go to the emergency room, but there are many times in which you don’t. We (he and his partners) come with the experience of working emergency

rooms and we tried to orient our urgent cares to handle as many things that are emergent as possible that can be done in urgent care, which is quite a bit,” Dr. Fowler said.

Average wait time after registering is 10 to 20 minutes at Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers of Texas’ four clinics, including the Schertz location.

There is paperwork that can be downloaded from their website for a patient’s first visit. After the first visit, the registration process is just letting the staff know that nothing has changed. All four clinics are accredited by the Urgent Care Association of America.

Dr. Fowler said the staff at the clinic likes to sit down with patients and talk to them but understands that patients want to be seen quickly and treated properly, so that’s what his staff tries to do in “a very professional manner.”

“The quality of urgent care we provide is excellent. We have been widely accepted by the Boerne, Bulverde and New Braunfels community and we’re maintaining that quality as we bring it in to Schertz,” Fowler said.

For more information on Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers of Texas, visit their website at urgentcareoftexas.com.

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Choose from over 200 pottery pieces to paint and create a unique piece that will be treasured forever!

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Birthday & bridal parties, team building/office parties, fun date night, MOPS groups, kids night out Great Activity for Groups of any Kind All Ages – no experience necessary

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www.colorclaystudio.com 17327 IH 35, suite 202 – Schertz 210-231-0196

CIVIC NEWZ

City of Schertz Community Budget Meetings The City of Schertz will hold community meetings for the early stages of the City’s FY 2015-16 budget.

The first meeting will be held at Corbett Junior High School, 12000 Ray Corbett Drive, on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 PM The second meeting will be held at Sippel Elementary School, 420 Fairlawn, on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 PM

The third meeting will be held at Schertz United Methodist Church, 3460 Roy Richard Drive, on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 PM. These meetings are to provide information to residents and get input from the audience.

For more information go to schertz.com or call 311.

Charter Commission Seeking Input YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ

The Charter Commission, made up or five residents appointed by City Council, is reviewing the City Charter for possible changes.

The Commission is seeking public input. .

They will meet in March and April to prepare its recommendation to City Council in May. The March 5 and March 30

meetings will be at 6 PM in the Administration Conference Room of Building No. 2 in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway.

The Commission will also meet at 6 p.m. on April 6, 15, 23, and 30 at locations to be decided. For those locations or other information visit schertz.com or call the City Secretary’s office at 210-619-1030.

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Mayor Gets Appreciation Plaque City Councilman Robin Thompson (right) presents a plaque to Mayor Michael Carpenter from the 5th Annual Selma-Schertz “Salute to Service Members” 5-K Run Walk held January 17.

Thompson was a runner in the event and also served as City Council representa-

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tive to receive the plaque in the mayor’s absence.

The event is sponsored by Operation Comfort with support from the City of Schertz and the City of Selma and numerous groups and businesses.

Trail Riders Chow Down On Schertz Hospitality The GRAY-TRAils Trail Riders and the Kerr Kountry Trail Riders moseyed into Schertz February 12 looking for grub and friendly faces.

For many years the two trail rides have come through on the way to the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

This year was chilly and the trail bosses for both groups said they really appreciated the warm soup, hot coffee and other refreshment provided by their hosts including the City of Schertz and community supporters like H-E-B which supplied beef stew, the Olive Garden which brought minestrone soup and the The Cinnamon Roll bakery which supplied dessert.

In the adjacent photos Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards Sr. presents plaques of appreciation to Kerr Kountry Trail Boss David Wiedenfeld (center right) and GRAY-TRAils Trail Boss Joe Coldewey (center left).

Coldewey reciprocated with a green plaque of appreciation to the City by GRAY-TRAils.

A total of 4 covered wagons and 65 riders, along with a number of RVs, stopped in Schertz for the warm food and rest.

At right, trailriders enjoy a chuck wagon breakfast courtesy of Frost Bank.

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Baldwin Scholarship Application Deadline April 17 The Hal Baldwin Scholarship encourages young people to consider public service and is named after the Schertz mayor who gave 30 years of service to the city.

As Schertz residents beginning in the 1960s, Mayor Baldwin and wife Barbara saw the city grow from 5,000 residents to more than 30,000 and become San Antonio’s largest suburban city.

Baldwin, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, served Schertz as an assistant city manager, civic volunteer, city councilman and then mayor ( for nearly 17 years).

In recognition of Baldwin’s long service, the Schertz City Council established his namesake scholarship to encour-

age high school seniors (public, private, or homeschooled) who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a career path.

The 2015 scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis. The scholarship may be used for tuition or other fees or expenses for any postsecondary school which is accredited by a state, regional, or national accreditation agency and which may be a traditional 2- or 4-year institution or other educational institution offering courses, degrees, or other training suitable to a public service career.

Applications for the Baldwin Scholarship can be downloaded from schertz.com or picked up at the following locations: • Within the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex 1400 Schertz Parkway, Administration – Bldg.

No. 2 • City Hall – Bldg. No. 1 • Public Affairs Office –Building No. 5 • Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway Completed applications must be received in the City Manager’s Office (Bldg. No. 2) by 5 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2015. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

SPRING INTO ACTION At the City of Schertz

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FAIR

Thursday, April 9th 2015 5:30—7:00 PM Schertz Civic Center

Learn about the resources and services available as a resident of Schertz; become familiar with the services different non-profit organizations provide; and gather information on the many boards and commissions that can use your expertise.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Mayor Michael Carpenter (left) swears in City Councilmember Cedric Edwards Sr. as the new Mayor Pro Tem during the February 3 City Council meeting.

The Mayor Pro Tem fills in for the Mayor when he is not able to preside over a City Council meeting.

The position rotates among councilmembers every six months.

You’ve been thinking about volunteering, but aren't quite sure where to begin. Here is your SPRINGBOARD to discovering the right group for your talents.

If your group is interested in participating or you have questions about the event : call Brenda Dennis at; 210-619-1000 or 311 from within the city or email Brenda at bdennis@schertz.com.

Edwards Sworn In As New Mayor Pro Tem

For a list of participating vendors, please go to Schertz.com; look under the events tab.

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Looking Back Civic Center: Mar. 17 -Schertz Chamber Luncheon Mar. 19 - Taste of Schertz Mar. 21 - Women’s Conference

Community Center: Mar. 20-21 - Beading House Jewelry Trunk Show Mondays - High Intensity Workout 6pm Wednesdays - Zumba 6pm

Upcoming Events: April 1 Lifeline Stroke Prevention Screenings

February

Quote of Note “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?

Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”

Patrick Henry March 23, 1775 House of Burgesses St. John’s Church, Richmond, VA.

Local History

Arrival on Easter Sunday, March 25, 1845 of the Prince Solms of Braunfels expedition at the spot where joined the Comal and Guadalupe Springs (New Braunfels, Texas) with the members of the Joseph and Anna Schertz family whose son Sebastian would eventually establish the foundation for the town of Schertz.

Texas History

On a freezing cold March 1, 1836 day, forty-four delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos for the purpose of drafting the Texas Declaration of Independence. The Declaration was adopted on March 2nd and signed by a total of fifty-nine delegates, most of whom were non-native born Texans. The Republic of Texas Constitution was also formulated just prior the convention adjournment (March 17th) due to the threat of an approaching Mexican Army.

Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP DATES: MARCH 7-22, 2015 Roll up those sleeves! It’s time to clean out the garage, attic and closets. The Annual Spring Clean-up will run March 7-22 with hazardous material dropoff on the weekends of March 14-15 and March 21-22 only.

During this time, residents may drop off items not covered under normal collection services. Tree limbs may be dropped off free of charge at 2221 FM 3009 (near Schertz Funeral Home).

Drop off at Bexar Waste Site

Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz. The Drop off Site will be open March 7-22, 2015. (See below for hazardous items drop off times) Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

ENTRY TO THIS SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS DURING CITY SPONSORED SPRING AND FALL CLEAN UP EVENTS.

Please Remember

During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454).

A maximum of three pickup-truck loads per household or a maximum of two trailer loads per household are permitted. Trailers cannot exceed 16 feet long by 4 feet high.

There also is a combined limit of 20 gallons for paints/stains and a combined limit of 20 gallons for automotive/cooking oils.

Residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 2221 FM 3009, free of charge, DURING THE 2 WEEK CLEANUP EVENT ONLY.

2.

What you need to know:

3.

The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial/ rental property clean ups, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service.

A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.

1.

Couches, Refrigerators, Stoves, Computer/Monitors, anything

Schertz Public Works provides yearround curbside chipping service for brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half-hour. To make an appointment for this service, call 210-6191800. For more information, contact Bexar Waste at 210-566-5454 or visit

and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Materials WILL BE sorted by customer, NOT BY Bexar Waste employees.

Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF Freon tank is removed; if Freon tank is still attached there will be a $35.00 fee at time of drop off. Any questions concerning the Freon tank removal, please contact Bexar Waste.

Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop off Times

HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of March 14-15 and 21-22, 2015.

4. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household.

5. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to: •

LIMITS: Household waste and yard waste only. Maximum of 3 Pick-up truck loads per Household or a Maximum of 2 Trailer loads per Household, trailers are not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size.

The Spring clean-up is reserved for Schertz residents only. A current water bill and proper identification are required when making a drop-off.

•

Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals Enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc.-

• •

•

•

•

These items will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household.

TIRES are considered hazardous Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted.

Hazardous waste such as used automotive and cooking oils, filters and batteries- Oils will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household.

Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED. Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.

---------------------------------------------The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event.

The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up.

SchertzTales Ad.indd 1

2/11/15 1:16 PM

We would like to thank all the folk’s at Schertz Magazine for their outstanding service to people, attention to detail and an excellent magazine layouts. Schertz magazine has help people of this great community find and inquire about our services here at Biomotion Physical Therapy and assisted in the growth of our company.

Thank you and blessings.

Dr. Derek Sanchez PT,DPT,CSCS

#info

CITY CALENDARZ

Annual Events: March

Wilenchik Walk for Life: Saturday March 7

April

Community Volunteer Fair Thursday, April 9 Jazz, Blues ‘n BBQ April 11, 2015

May

March 2015 Tuesday, 3

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Thursday, 5

TSAC, 5:30 PM City Council Chambers

Tuesday, 10

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Wednesday, 11

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Tuesday, 17

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Monday, 23

Sweetheart Coronation Thursday, May 7

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room

Police Officer Memorial Day Thursday, May 15

Tuesday, 24

National EMS Week/Golf Tournament May 17-23 Doggie Dash TBA

July

Jubilee July 3-4, 2015

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Wednesday, 25

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Thursday 26

EDC Board, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

September

SchertzFest September 18-19

Be sure to check out visitschertz.com for more event info!

Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for more information.

City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter

Council Members: Jim Fowler Grumpy Azzoz Daryl John Cedric Edwards, Sr. Robin Thompson

(210) 619-1045 (210) 658-1442 (210) 488-4214 (210) 204-2750 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-8649

City Departments:

City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1650 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ WEBSITES schertz.com visitschertz.com schertzmagazine.com Like us on Facebook

Spring Sports Registration Ends March 19, sign-up early for the best prices!

• Volleyball (co-ed) ages 5 - 13 • Soccer (co-ed) ages 2 - 12

Register online or in person today!

PERSONAL SERVICE AVAILABLE IN HANDSHAKES AND HANDHELDS. With the Frost App for iPhone® & Android ® you can deposit checks, transfer funds, find nearby locations and talk to a real person at the bank with a single tap.

frostbank.com (210) 220-6938

MEMBER FDIC

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154